Video / Scouting Report: C Kevin Plawecki, #5 Mets Prospect

Scouting Report:

Catcher Kevin Plawecki, was a perfect fit for the Mets in 2012, as the 35th pick overall in the amateur draft. Plawecki struck out just eight times in 223 at-bats during his junior season at Purdue, and 29 times over his three-year college career -- a span of 638 at-bats. He also walked 26 times as a junior, matching his total for the previous two years combined.

The result for Plawecki was a .359 average with seven home runs and 47 RBIs in 59 games, showcasing some of the power that the Mets believe will continue to develop throughout his professional career. The Indiana native was named the Big Ten Player of the Year and the conference tournament's Most Outstanding Player, and is currently one of the three finalists for the Johnny Bench Award, given annually to the NCAA's top Division I catcher.

"No doubt, it's a terrific skill," said DePodesta, the Mets' vice president of scouting and player development. "He certainly has a terrific eye at the plate."

The Mets nabbed him with the 35th overall pick, which they received as compensation for losing free-agent shortstop Jose Reyes to the Marlins.

On the defensive side of the plate, Plawecki won Purdue's Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2011. In that regard, DePodesta called him "special."

Kevin Plawecki will make his spring debut with the Mets in 2014. Many in the Mets organization think Plawecki can take over behind the plate if Travis d'Arnaud fails at his attempt to be a starter. Look for Plawecki to open up some eyes in 2014 and beyond...